The Digital Landscape for Older Belgians
According to a recent survey conducted by the national statistics office, Statbel, a significant portion of the older Belgian population remains disconnected from the digital world. The survey indicates that 35% of individuals aged 74 and older have never used the internet. This gap highlights an important aspect of digital inclusion, showing the varying levels of internet usage among different age demographics.
Comparative Internet Usage Statistics
While 60% of Belgians aged 75 to 89 actively use the internet, 5% have not logged on in the past three months, revealing a difference in engagement. Men are notably more likely to be online, with 69% using the internet compared to only 52% of women in this age group. These figures stand in stark contrast to the general population, where a remarkable 96% of individuals aged 16 to 74 are internet users.
Online Activities Among Older Adults
The survey results shed light on the specific online activities favored by older Belgians. For instance, while 46% of those aged 75 to 89 engage in internet banking, this percentage significantly lags behind the 84% usage rate among younger individuals. Additionally, only 34% of older adults use video calling services, with even fewer (19%) participating in social media compared to 73% of the general population. These findings underline the necessity for initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy and accessibility within this demographic.